ONE MOLECULE.
MILLIONS SAVED.
Dr. David Dolphin's discovery of Verteporfin, commercialized as Visudyne, reversed blindness for patients worldwide and established photodynamic therapy as a medical discipline. Now, Verteporfin shows promise against fibrosis, a condition responsible for nearly half of all human deaths. The David Dolphin Foundation for Innovation & Bioindustry (DD-FIB) exists to ensure discoveries like this reach the world.
Mission & Vision
We envision a future where Canadian science leads global innovation in human health and advanced materials — where world-class research is reliably translated into industries, jobs, and lasting public benefit.
Refine scientific breakthroughs
We seek out Canada's leading transformative chemical scientific breakthroughs that need a champion to reach their potential.
Strategically fund ventures
We accomplish our mission by strategically funding biochemistry and advanced materials ventures poised for success.
Leverage mentorship & networks
We leverage our extensive networks to mentor and advise ventures, transforming patient lives worldwide.
The Founder
"My creation of Verteporfin saved the vision of millions worldwide... Verteporfin has recently been found to inhibit fibrosis — the possible future of which could be monumental."
Advisory Board
Pieter Cullis
Advisory Board MemberPioneer of lipid nanoparticle technology enabling mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and multiple FDA-approved medicines.
Andrew D. Hamilton
Advisory Board MemberFormer President of NYU and Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Distinguished leader in chemical science.
Roald Hoffmann
Nobel Laureate / AdvisorNobel Laureate in Chemistry (1981) recognized for pioneering theories on electronic structures of transition metal complexes.
Jean-Marie Lehn
Nobel Laureate / AdvisorNobel Laureate in Chemistry (1987) and father of supramolecular chemistry. Expert in molecular self-organization.
Richard J. Roberts
Nobel Laureate / AdvisorNobel Laureate in Medicine (1993) credited with discovering split genes and RNA splicing, redefining molecular biology.
Richard B. Silverman
Advisory Board MemberCreator of Lyrica and distinguished medicinal chemist. His research has revolutionized drug synthesis and global clinical care.
Community Members
Ms. Sophia Gleener
Executive AssistantProviding strategic administrative excellence and high-level operational management to streamline executive workflows, coordinate global stakeholders, and ensure the seamless execution of the foundation's core philanthropic initiatives and international programs.
Ms. Jennifer Han
Director of China RelationsLeading partnership development with Chinese institutions by leveraging her extensive background in large-scale energy infrastructure and healthcare negotiations to foster innovation and build bridges of goodwill between Canada and China.
Dr. Taesun Kang
Director of South KoreaFacilitating strategic alliances and fostering academic-industrial relations within South Korea, utilizing deep sector expertise to bridge international research communities and accelerate the development of a resilient global biotechnology ecosystem.
Dr. Alan Chan
Community ambassadorEngaging global stakeholders and inspiring the next generation of biotech pioneers through proactive advocacy, community builder outreach, and strategic alignment to amplify the foundation's vision of curiosity and collaboration.
How We Work
Identify the
Legacy
We seek out Canadian transformative discoveries that need a champion to reach their potential.
Mentor and
Advise
Our network of world-class scientists provides rigorous mentorship for commercial pathways.
Invest
Strategically
We provide seed capital and strategic resources to de-risk innovations for global markets.
Transition to
Patients
Ensuring lab discoveries become monumental treatments for patients worldwide.
Focus Areas
We concentrate resources on three frontier sciences where Canada holds a distinct competitive advantage.
01
Quantum Chemistry
Quantum Chemistry
Computational breakthroughs and precision molecular modeling for the next generation of computing. Leveraging quantum mechanics to predict molecular behavior with unprecedented precision.
02
Advanced Materials
Advanced Materials
The development of novel materials with bespoke properties for industrial and medical applications. From high-performance porphyrin derivatives to smart polymers responding to stimuli.
03
Bioindustrial Science
Bioindustrial Science
Advancing the chemical and biological technologies that underpin a sustainable bio-economy. Bridging the gap between molecular research and scalable industrial bioprocesses.
Science
to Industry
Our core value proposition in Human Health and Advanced Materials ventures.
Industrial Scale-Up
Ensuring every supported project reaches Manufacturing-Readiness for industrial-scale production.
Job Creation
Fostering high-value chemical and biochemcial engineering and manufacturing jobs within Canada's innovation ecosystem.
Global Visibility
Highlighting Canadian breakthroughs to our global network of investors, advisors, and global corporate partners.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our work or a media inquiry? Connect with us to join our journey in strengthening Canada’s scientific future.
